The Star of Bethlehem Returning for First Time in 800 Years
Scientists say we may soon see the same “star of wonder’’ seen by the three wise men 2,000 years ago
Star of Wonder burning bright in time for Christmas 2020? NASA scientists say it will be “spectacular,’’ a sight not seen on earth since the year 1226.
“Some say a star will rise again in the hearts of humankind,’’ Tori Amos sings in an updated version of, “We Three Kings,’’ written by the Rev. John Henry Hopkins in 1857. “Some say we have been in exile.’’
A fitting description of 2020 and the original Star of Bethlehem story?
The Star of Bethlehem — the “Christmas Star” — is believed by scientists to be caused by the light of the two largest planets in the solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, seeming to align into what looks like a giant double planet in our sky.
The two planets will make the “double planet effect” after sunset on December 21, but the two will seem to be aligned (less than a moon apart) between December 16 and December 25. A prelude to Christmas?
“Alignments between these two planets are rather rare… but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to one another,” Rice University astronomer Patrick…
